Commercial architecture is its own field of design, with unique concernsand practices. To give a simple commercial architecture definition, it isarchitecture focused solely on buildings and spaces thatare usedforcommercial purposes.These include offices, retail outlets, and otherfacilities where commercial businessis conducted.
How does commercial architecture differ from other types?
At first glance, the basic processes followed in many types of architectureseem the same. Whether a project is commercial, residential, institutional,etc., it tends to follow the same set of basic steps:
1.Site evaluation
2.Design conception
3.Design finalization
4.Blueprint creation
5.Permit documentation
6.Construction administration
That being said, there is still quite adifference in the details andconsiderations of commercial architecture. These unique aspects are whatdefine commercial architecture as its own category of design.Let’sreviewthem closely.
A Business Focus
Commercial architecture stands apart from other forms by focusing on theclient’s business needs. The entire designmust be engineeredtoaccommodate the type of business run within the facility and make theclient’s business goals easier to reach.This is where commercial architects must meet a higher challenge.Inresidential work, for example, the design must only cater to the needs of asmall group of people – the occupying household.Butin commercialarchitecture, the design must satisfy the occupying business, its employees,and all customers(or patients, clients, and any other people the businessmay serve).
Designing with Consumers in Mind
Commercial architects work to understand the behavior of customers andothers who interact with their client’s business. This requires a firmgraspof the psychology of sales, as well as a familiarity with consumertrends.Most importantly, commercial architects investigate how various designchoices can influencehow consumers behave, what decisions they make,and how they perceive the client’s brand, products, and services.
Accommodating Business Operations
Of course, consideration of consumers only makes up a part of commercialdesign’s duties. Architects in this sector must also know how to bestapproach design for their client’s specific facility type and specific businessoperations. This includes accommodating the particular equipment,merchandise, and storage needs of the client’s business.For example, a producer of fresh beverages may need their facility’s designto provide large temperature-controlled storage areas. Such a client couldalso need spacious loading bays that allow delivery vehicles to easily accessthese storage areas and maintain stable transport conditions.Accommodating business operations often requires extra infrastructure aswell. Architects working on commercial projects must be abletostrategically incorporateelevators, parking lots, and other features thatwould rarely be seen in the residential sphere.Overall, commercial design must account for the way that the client’sbusiness functions on aday to daybasis. It should enable all businessactivitiesto not only becomfortable, but also as efficient as possible. This istrue whether the client is serving customers in a fast-food restaurant, ormanufacturing products in a large workshop.
Thinking Ahead
Commercial architecture requires a sharp business sense with an eye forfuture developments. Architects in this sector must be able to design afacility that will be suitable for many years to come. They should also spotopportunities to give their clients a competitive edge.Successful commercial designs can adapt to market trends and allow forbusiness growth,even as the client’s industry evolves and changes. This iswhy flexibility is a prized feature in commercial architecture, and marketresearch is such a powerful tool.
Who needs commercial architecture services?
At one point or another, every commercialbusiness needs help improving anexisting facility or developing a new property. Corporate offices, retailshops, restaurants, and a variety of other businesses can all benefitfrompartneringwith a skilled commercial architect.If your business needs assistance with designing an ideal commercialproperty,PionArchcan help. You can leverage our expertise to gainimportant insights for your project and develop a design that offersmaximum value for your company and its stakeholders.We’lldeliverstrategies backed by industry knowledge, and results that will meet yourcompany’s every need.From hip cafes to sleek workspaces, our portfolio features a diverse rangeof standout projects. Our team’s extensive experience will ensure that yourproject enjoysits own great success.Ifyou’dlike to learn more about our packages and pricing, please readabout ourdesign fees.You’realso welcome to reach out to us for a personalconsultation and detailed quote.
